Published

1 year ago

July 12, 2024

Alice Rush

Last Updated on July 12, 2024

Did you know the average American spends 90% of their time indoors? The irony is getting outside is so good for our health: Spending just 20 minutes outside a day helps reduce stress.

You don’t even have to leave the comfort of home to reap the benefits: Enjoying outdoor spaces in your front yard, porch, patio, or backyard are a simple way to get outside.

How to Create a Sustainable Outdoor Deck

This post was sponsored by TimberTech. All thoughts and opinions are my own; for more information please see my disclosure policy. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

There are so many ways to create a sustainable outdoor space too: Planting a native pollinator garden, starting a veggie garden, thrifting secondhand outdoor furniture, and eco-friendly decking are just a few.

I’m a big advocate for shopping secondhand and not just with clothes. You can find so many unique and affordable outdoor furniture sets in thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, or your local Buy Nothing group.

Plus, there are so many creative ways to customize your finds, be it through an elaborate paint job or a quick polish. The more effort you put into making an outdoor space yours, the more likely you are to utilize it.

In Maine, we get a few months of absolute bliss during the summer. The weather is so perfect, and I want to soak up every single moment before the long winter. I love hosting parties and gatherings and if you do too, and you’re looking for sustainable decking or creating a more eco friendly space then look no further.

Sustainable decking is not exactly a hot topic most people talk about, let alone think about. But we should! Decking can take up a huge chunk of space in the backyard and it does require a lot of materials, energy and labor to put together.

That’s why I was so excited to find TimberTech, a sustainable decking company that utilizes recycled materials and conscious manufacturing processes. Their decking is crafted from high performance materials that are sourced thoughtfully and responsibly.

If you’re looking to upgrade your backyard space with minimal impact on the environment, here’s everything you need to know about sustainable outdoor decking.

TimberTech: How to Create a Sustainable Outdoor Deck

what material should be used for a deck?

There are a few different materials to choose from when it comes to deciding on a deck. The most common materials include wood, recycled PVC, and composite decking.

Which material you use depends on your specific needs and circumstances. For example, if your deck will be near water, will encounter a lot of foot traffic, and you want it to stay cool to the touch, PVC may be the best choice.

While many think wood is the most sustainable material because it is natural, that isn’t necessarily the case. Wooden decks do not last as long as composite or PVC decking and they are susceptible to mold and mildew.

While wood has a natural feel and is biodegradable, this also means it will eventually deteriorate over time. On average a wooden deck will typically last 10 to 15 years. However, capped composite boards can last 25 to 30+ years and capped PVC can potentially last 50 years or more.

Also, TimberTech’s Advanced PVC has an 89% lower lifecycle carbon footprint vs. Brazilian Tropical Ipe decking. It also has a 26% lower lifecycle carbon footprint vs. pine decking. This means that not only does PVC decking last longer, but if it’s sustainably manufactured and mostly made from recycled content (like TimberTech’s PVC is), it has a smaller carbon footprint than some popular wood decking options.

Choosing materials and products that are designed to last will always be an eco-friendly option. Overall, less resources will need to be wasted or used to maintain that material.

If you are looking for PVC decking, I recommend looking into recycled PVC, which is what TimberTech uses (more on this later).

It’s also worth noting that composite decking is made from recycled plastic and reclaimed wood. This lasts twice as long as wood and doesn’t need frequent applications of harsh cleaners, stains, or sealers.

Ultimately, the most sustainable decking material to choose is the one that will last the longest in your specific climate and backyard.

what is an eco-friendly material instead of wood?

Recycled PVC and composite decking are eco-friendly materials to consider if you’re looking for something besides traditional wood. These materials will last longer and tolerate higher foot traffic in comparison to wood.

That said, not all PVC and composite decking are created equal. For example, unless stated otherwise, a brand may use virgin materials in their PVC decking, which have a higher carbon footprint.

TimberTech offers both recycled PVC and composite decking. Here’s why each of their decking materials are more sustainable than alternatives.

recycled pvc decking

Made in the USA from approximately 60% recycled material, including post-construction scrap like vinyl siding and trim.
It’s fully recyclable at the end of its useful life, through TimberTech FULL-CIRCLE.
Lasts longer: Decking is highly resistant to moisture damage like mold and mildew, and it won’t splinter, crack, warp, peel, or rot.
Less work, which equals less harsh cleaners, stains and seals. Just an occasional scrub and rinse are all that’s needed.
Protected with a 50-year Fade & Stain Limited Warranty and Lifetime Limited Product Warranty.

composite decking

TimberTech composite decking is made of a mix of high-performance and recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fibers.
Made in the USA from approximately 85% recycled material including plastic bags, milk jugs, and other discarded plastics.
Made to last and won’t splinter, crack, warp, or peel.
Low maintenance: Just scrub and rinse.
Protected by Limited Product and Fade & Stain Warranties that last up to 30 years

what does eco-friendly decking cost?

To get a feel for what eco-friendly decking costs, TimberTech has a decking cost calculator that can give you an estimate on how much a project may cost.

There are various factors that can drive the total cost of the project up or down, including the size and complexity of the deck, your location, the contractor you choose, permit fees, the landscaping of your property, and features like railing, stairs, or lighting.

The average 16×20 foot deck is 320 square feet. For this size, an estimated overall cost would be ~$10k to $16k. With railing, it bumps up to ~$15k to $22k.

While a TimberTech deck may cost more upfront, the savings over time are substantial since TimberTech decking won’t require the same annual maintenance and repairs as a wood deck.

Just remember that each project varies and the best way to determine the cost of yours is to use TimberTech’s cost calculator. You can also request a quote or find a contractor easily through TimberTech.

TimberTech: an environmentally friendly deck option

Recently, Justin and I moved to Maine and purchased an older home that we’ve spent a good chunk of time restoring. We’re trying to do it as sustainably as possible, all while honoring the history of the home.

Most all of my furniture is vintage and secondhand. We’re choosing energy efficient updates. Looking at sustainable materials, paint, and trying to choose timeless decor and design that won’t need to be consistently updated.

We are blessed to have a small deck where we host friends for bbqs, outdoor movie nights, and even just peacefully reading in the luscious weather. Our existing wooden deck is in super great shape, but when the time comes to replace it, TimberTech is on our list. I’m drawn to the ease, maintenance, and I love supporting companies who use recycled materials.

Putting your recycling in the bin is only one part of the process! Businesses actually have to have incentive to buy those raw materials and use them in the creation of their products.

And it’s not limited to just their decking. They also offer outdoor furniture and railing made from recycled materials, plus lighting, to complete your deck space.

But recycled materials are just the beginning! Here are a few reasons why TimberTech is an eco-friendly deck option.

recycled materials

Recycled materials have a lower carbon footprint than virgin materials, because you’re not extracting anything new from the environment, but using what’s already available.

Together with their parent company, The AZEK Company, TimberTech transforms hundreds of millions of pounds of landfill-bound waste and scrap into beautiful, low-maintenance, long-lasting products annually.

In fact, their parent company AZEK is the largest vertically integrated recycler of PVC in the U.S. Their recycling facilities are owned and operated in Ohio and Michigan where they process hundreds of millions of pounds of plastic waste and scrap each year.

TimberTech decking is engineered from 60 to 85% recycled content. They utilize landfill and ocean-bound wood and plastic waste, scrap and trash, like grocery bags, milk jugs, PVC pipe, construction waste, and old vinyl siding, to create their decking.

eco conscious manufacturing process

TimberTech’s sustainability doesn’t end at their products, but carries into the way they’re produced.

Their facilities in Wilmington, OH, Scranton, PA and Boise, ID, employ a closed-loop water filtration system that reuses and recycles millions of gallons of water daily. This saves ~96% of their water use annually.

On top of this, most of their manufacturing sites source carbon-free electricity and use energy-efficient systems for power, heating and cooling, water, and LED lighting.

Specific to their Boise, ID location, they’ve installed LED lighting upgrades, efficient water-cooled chillers, rainwater harvesting systems, bicycle and electric vehicle charging stations, and a state of the art AZEK University training center.

partnered with thredup

ThredUP is the world’s largest online thrift store that carries more than 35,000 name brand items. The store also accepts clothing for sale – all you have to do is request a Clean Out bag and fill it with high quality name-brand pieces.

Thing is, ThredUP still ships their clothes in plastic bags, which aren’t known for being easy to recycle via curbside. But these aren’t going to waste. In fact, TimberTech is upcycling them into their composite decking material.

Through a partnership with ThredUP, TimberTech is responsibly transforming plastic film waste into new products. AZEK is collecting 100% of ThredUP’s polyethylene plastic Clean Out Bags after the contents have been processed.

On top of this, they are also collecting ThredUP’s post-industrial plastic film waste and transporting them to AZEK’s vertically integrated polyethylene recycling facility in Wilmington, Ohio. There, these materials are processed and incorporated into TimberTech’s composite decking material. Talk about a great example of a circular economy!

eco awards

Others are taking notice of TimberTech’s sustainable commitments too.

Together with their parent company, AZEK, TimberTech has been recognized through multiple awards showcasing how they’re revolutionizing outdoor living and creating a more sustainable future.

Some of their awards include:

2023 Green Builder Sustainable Product Of The Year
2022 ESG GameChanger Awards
Architizer A+Products Winner
Real Leaders Impact Awards Winner

So, would you give TimberTech decking a try? Which of their decking material appeals most to you? Let me know in the comments!

The post How to Create a Sustainable Outdoor Deck appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

How to Create a Sustainable Outdoor Deck

Green Living

How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors

Published

4 days ago

November 25, 2025

Alice Rush

This is a sponsored article about a brand that was independently assessed by our rigorous ratings system. We’re proud to only collaborate with “Good” and “Great” rated brands. Learn more.

US brand Toad&Co has a socially and environmentally responsible approach to clothing, creating pieces inspired by the outdoors and with a lower impact on the environment. Not to mention an enduring commitment to helping everyone get outdoors through its work with non-profits. Read on to discover the brand’s environment-first ethos.

Focusing on what matters most

“We make feel-good clothes for positive impact—fostering community around doing good, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and embracing the unexpected,” says Sarah Palladino, director of people and impact at Toad&Co as she introduces the Californian brand. This “simple pleasures” concept applies to Toad&Co’s approach to design, too, and prioritises quality and responsibility over trend-led items. This, in turn, means the brand focuses its energy on clothes that are comfy and practical enough for everything from work to outdoor exploring, and on maintaining its ongoing commitments to using lower-impact materials, partnering with cleaner factories, and looking for new ways to do more with less.

Since day one, it’s been about more than just clothes. From choosing sustainable practices in every corner of our business to supporting programs that protect the planet and make the outdoors more accessible to everyone—knowing we stand for more is what keeps us going

Gordon Seabury – CEO at Toad&Co

Lower-impact materials and producer responsibility

Opting for lower impact materials is one of the core ways brands can address their impact on the planet: “Sustainable materials make a world of difference,” Toad&Co says. “We use organic cotton, recycled fibres, and other high-quality materials known for low-impact growing and cleaner manufacturing.”

The brand’s selection of more sustainable materials includes organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, and recycled fabrics like wool, cotton, and polyester. It also looks to third party clothing certifications like bluesign®, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and Global Organic Textile Standard, and it publishes its list of restricted substances for all to see.

Toad&Co also operates a resale platform, called ToadAgain, online and at its IRL store in Maine, US, to keep its clothes in the loop.

Supporting non-profits and access to the outdoors

Toad&Co donates 1% of its profits to organisations working to empower others and, in particular, enable better access to the outdoors for all.

In 1996, Toad&Co partnered with Search, Inc. to co-found the Planet Access Company, a full-functioning warehouse that trained and employed up to 70 adults with disabilities annually.

Determined not to stop at the front door, the brand also co-founded Search for Adventure in 2004, a unique travel program to facilitate vacations for adults with disabilities. Over 20 years later, the social venture partnership has evolved—and includes a flagship store in Chicago, a program called Visibility Arts that nurtures creativity through sharing Search, Inc. artist’s work, neurodiversity and disability awareness training, and an expanded Search for Adventure program. In 2024, the brand supported 147 nights of camping for adults with disabilities through the program.

We give back to—and partner with—organisations that align with our three pillars of giving: conservation for human enjoyment, equity and accessibility, and do the right thing

Sarah Palladino – director of people and impact at Toad&Co

One of Toad&Co’s key partnerships is with Brave Trails, which is dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership, to support it in putting on accredited camps, mentorship programs, and meet-ups for LGBTQ+ youth.

Shop favourites from Toad&Co’s new collection

Read on to discover some of the standout items that balance style with practicality from Toad&Co’s lineup.

Merino Heartfelt Hoodie

Woven with a beautiful alpine jacquard pattern, this hoodie is made from non-mulesed Merino wool and features pockets at the sides. It’s ideal as a mid-layer under a longer coat when you’re out exploring, or as a cosy item for grabbing a post-walk hot chocolate.

person wearing white knitted alpineglo jumper from toad&co

Alpineglo Sweater

This Alpineglo sweater is a blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% non-mulesed Merino wool, so it’s going to help regulate your temperature in most climates. On top of that, the neutral tone and straight fit make it really versatile—you’ll be reaching for it on the regular.

printed floral chaka trousers from Toad&co

Chaka Wide-Leg Trousers

Toad&Co calls these cropped trousers “sweatpant comfortable, going-out presentable”, which makes sense, given they’re made with organic cotton and Tencel Lyocell for softness and have a comfortable wide waistband, not to mention a pretty floral pattern.

people wearing reversible nomader jacket from toad&co

Nomader Reversible Jacket

This Nomader jacket is reversible, packable, and water-resistant. In other words, it’s the ideal item to take with you for outdoor adventures. It’s made from recycled nylon and lightly quilted for warmth.

person wearing printed padded manzana jacket from toad&co

Manzana Quilted Jacket

Toad&Co picked the crepe-like organic cotton for this jacket so that you could fold it away in a bag and have it still look presentable when you pull it out. It’s also packed with recycled polyester padding for extra warmth.

Balsam Cutoff Trousers

These Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.

Kennicott Shirt Jacket

Going from a walk to dinner? From the office to drinks? This Kennicott shirt jacket fits the bill for all of the above. The smart twill fabric incorporates recycled Italian wool.

Airsmyth Shirt

This is Toad&Co’s Re-Form Herringbone: a blend of recycled cotton and polyester that offers a soft drape and an attractive herringbone weave that looks smarter than the average checked shirt.

Balsam 5-Pocket Trousers

Like the women’s equivalent, these Balsam trousers have a touch of stretch and a comfortable ‘FlexForm’ waistband that mean they’re going to feel comfortable from the get-go—and you won’t need to worry about a belt, either.

Discover more of Toad&Co’s clothes.

The post How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors appeared first on Good On You.

How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors

Green Living

50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make

Published

1 week ago

November 21, 2025

Alice Rush

Last Updated on November 21, 2025

If you’re on the handmade Christmas kick this year, you’re not alone. So am I!

I’m choosing presence over presents this year and bringing back the 90s Christmas I loved as a kid – simple, crafty, low pressure, and full of small moments that feel meaningful.

If you want to gift thoughtfully, and without breaking the bank, these DIY Christmas presents are for you. There’s something for everyone on this list – whether you prefer easy or complex DIYs.

I’ve included all kinds of DIYs – beauty, cooking, fashion, and practical gifts alike. Best of all? Many of these tutorials are zero waste (or close to it).

what are good homemade Christmas gifts?

Good homemade Christmas gifts include consumable items, like homemade nut butters, vanilla extract, or jams. But not all homemade gifts are edible – you can also make items like bath bombs, candles, body scrubs, beeswax wraps, and so much more.

If you’re extra crafty, you could even make wooden gifts (like shelving or tablet holders), ceramic items (like mugs or jewelry), or knitted/crocheted pieces (like blankets, scarves or hats).

It all depends on your level of skill, time at your disposal, and ingredients/materials you have access to.

50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make

what are good inexpensive Christmas gifts?

Some good inexpensive Christmas gifts are DIY cornstarch ornaments, handmade body or lip scrub, seasoned salt blends, and homemade treats (like these chocolate chip cookies or vegan sugar cookies).

And never forget to hit up your local thrift store – you can find so many great items that would make affordable gift baskets!

Wrapping DIY Christmas gifts also doesn’t have to be expensive. Reusing gift bags and ribbons from last year, upcycling packaging paper, or even repurposing a scarf for furoshiki wrap are all low-waste and affordable!

how can I make a last minute gift?

You can make a last minute gift by getting crafty using the materials you have on hand!

For example, if you have a cardboard box, why not try making an upcycled cardboard dollhouse, vehicle, or pirate ship for a child? For adults, a DIY storage container or a shoe rack works.

One of my fav last minute gifts is scented bath salts in an upcycled glass jar – just a little Epsom salt and essential oil blends will do the trick!

Here’s my list of DIY Christmas gifts – something for everyone and every skill level.

Bath salts
DIY makeup like mascara/eyeliner, or lip to cheek
Bath bombs
Lip scrub
Lip balm
Face mask
Body lotion
Natural perfume
Dry shampoo
Shampoo bar
Body soap
Deodorant
Rose water toner
Hand-poured coconut/soy/beeswax candles
Simmer pot in a jar
Cookie, brownie, soup mix or hot cocoa mix in a jar
Handmade seasoning blends
Vanilla extract
Vegan caramels or plant-based butter wrapped in compostable parchment paper
Herb or citrus infused olive oil
Peanut butter + jam
Beeswax wraps
Apple or pumpkin butter
Sourdough or no-knead artisan bread
Finished embroidery hoops
Embroidered pillows, tote bags, clothes or cloth napkins
Sewn cotton rounds
Knitted scarf, hat, gloves, sweater, or blanket
Hand warmers
Quilt blanet, quilted coat or quilted wallet
Tie dyed secondhand silk scarves, clothing or sheets
Hand painted or drawn artwork
Air dry clay paint palette
DIY wooden frame for paintings or print photos
Handmade ceramics (mugs, chawan, chasen holder, vase, spoon rest, etc.)
Woodworked items (birdhouse, shelving, bookcase, wall guitar mount)
Carving wooden bowls by hand
Natural branch coasters
Plant propagations in one of these DIY planters
Seed balls using native seeds
Handwoven baskets or bowls
Macrame produce bag
Macrame plant hanger
Fabric paper mache bowls
Upcycled paper earring jewelry
Clay earrings
Handmade plush toys
Felt ‘food’ toys
Wooden toys (like vehicles, blocks, or dollhouses)
Knit or crocheted baby clothes

What do you think of these DIY Christmas presents? Let me know in the comments!

The post 50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make

Green Living

8 Best Non Toxic Rugs For a Sustainable Home

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2025

Alice Rush

Last Updated on November 6, 2025

Did you know most rugs are made from polyester, aka plastic? Arguably, a good chunk of our furniture and home decor is nowadays.

And lets not forget – rugs can get a lot of foot traffic. If it’s made from polyester, chances are those plastic fibers are going to shed and get onto us. Or worse, in us.

8 Best Non Toxic Rugs For a Sustainable Home

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

Microplastics have been found in human feces, blood, and even placentas. And according to a study from Stanford University, those who had microplastics in their plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death than those who didn’t.

On top of this, 5 billion pounds of rugs go to waste each year – that’s 2% of total US landfill. And if they’re made from plastic? They won’t biodegrade.

It’s more important than ever to reduce our exposure to microfibers where we can. Which is why I’ve rounded up the best non toxic rugs on the market.

what is the least toxic rug?

The least toxic rug will have sustainable materials and use no harsh chemicals (like PFAs) in their production.

Here’s what to look for when purchasing a non-toxic rug:

Sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, jute, sisal or wool
Low-waste packaging + delivery
Natural, non-synthetic dyes
Third-party certifications like OEKO-TEK, Fair Trade, GOTs
Easy to spot-clean or machine wash
Available in various styles, patterns + colors to suit your needs

do all rugs have PFAS?

According to Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), only four samples of 201 carpets and rugs were found to contain more than 100 parts per million in their fibers, indicating PFAS were intentionally added to the products.

However, while PFAs may not be a huge concern for rugs, microplastic pollution is, specifically if your carpet is synthetic. Your best bet is to check the material your rug is made from and choose natural fibers whenever possible.

what is the best non-toxic rug for nursery?

The best non-toxic rug for a nursery would be made from natural materials like wool and organic cotton (which are soft on baby’s skin).

I recommend also checking for natural latex for the rug backing and underlay pads. Brands on this list that offer kid-friendly sizes and patterns include Lorena Canals, Nestig, Quince, and Loomy (more on each below).

what brand of rugs are non-toxic?

The brands of rugs that are non-toxic are listed below. I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.